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<\/a><\/p>\nBaildam began denominational work in 1975 at Stanborough School,\u00a0undertaking a variety of teaching and pastoral roles. One of two sons to Jean and Denys Baildam, the latter a pastor and BUC departmental director who served across the UK from the 1940s to the 1990s, he grew up in a ministerial family with a strong work ethic, and a thinking environment resulting in a commitment to excellence.<\/p>\n
Being an Adventist in the UK of the 1950s and 1960s was a challenging and at times somewhat lonely experience, not least as to how the Church was regarded by the wider UK Christian community and society as a fundamentalist \u201cAmerican sect\u201d lacking intellectual credibility. It was possibly this early life experience that would provide the necessary driving force required to help Newbold to achieve ground-breaking academic success during his tenure as Director of Academic Affairs and later as Principal.<\/p>\n
His appointment as Principal in May 2014 was with a mandate \u2013 to implement the College Board\u2019s Regeneration Package voted by the then governors a few months earlier. The first visible change was the upgrading of numerous campus buildings, not least Salisbury Hall – refurbished and transformed throughout. Second, which will perhaps be seen as Baildam\u2019s legacy, was to achieve educational parity for Newbold with UK state-funded universities, and in some areas outperforming much larger institutions. While a huge accolade for the College, and an outstanding achievement for Baildam and Newbold staff, the recognition provides a deeper acknowledgement not just for UK Adventists, but also the wider Trans-European Division – that Adventist education stands up to intellectual rigour.<\/p>\n Newly appointed Principal Dr Steve Currow expressed gratitude and appreciation for Baildam\u2019s contribution to Newbold. \u201cJohn has been stalwart in ensuring that Newbold has appropriate academic accreditation and has worked vigorously to build Newbold\u2019s reputation in the UK Higher Education community.\u201d<\/p>\n Baildam served until 31 May 2022, Newbold\u2019s second longest-serving Principal, personally driving the \u2018never-to-be-forgotten\u2019 campus experience he wanted for students, staff, and near-campus church members. He took the College through the turbulent Covid-19 years and was the front-line person overseeing Newbold through significant structural and strategic change at the request of the Trans-European Division leadership.<\/p>\n But while Baildam will be remembered for his stewardship of Newbold during difficult and challenging times, for staff and students alike, and wider church members, it is his collegial, egalitarian, and approachable leadership that will be best remembered. Two members of staff \u2013 his fellow administrative officers \u2013 share their experience of working with him.<\/p>\n Serena Santona \u2013 Academic Registrar<\/strong><\/p>\n John is very friendly and without pretence, and throughout the years, even though I have always considered him as my boss and my colleague, there is an underlying friendship that has followed us through. I have appreciated his willingness to listen despite his vast experience \u2013 which sometimes resulted in him changing his mind. His ability to see another point of view on a matter I found most helpful. <\/em><\/p>\n Of course, I cannot forget his expertise in helping me understand the nuances of the English language. As a work colleague, he is always there, and always available.<\/em><\/p>\n Another thing I will remember about his leadership style, is the chats we had over a hot chocolate, which made the sometimes-challenging discussions we had a little bit sweeter. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>His love of language, literature, and the arts (his PhD examined eighteenth-century German poetry) is a journey of discovery he has been on throughout his life (\u2018learning something new every day\u2019 as he puts it), one he brought both into the classroom and administration. Conversant in both French and German, he is one of few native English speakers to deliver a graduation address to students at Newbold\u2019s sister Friedensau Adventist University, Germany – in German language.<\/p>\n<\/a>I<\/em> first met John during my interview to work at Newbold in the Admissions department. He was the first to meet me at the airport on my arrival in England from Italy to take up the role. This unexpected support made me feel at home right away. <\/em><\/p>\n